Celebrating warm summer months in Fort Wayne is never complete without the great outdoors! Dining al fresco while sipping on colorful cool drinks is a hallmark of the season no one should be denied.
It’s time to rediscover and fall in love with the Summit City all over again this summer—through great food, and great views.
via @hallsdeck Instagram
The Deck is all about Fort Wayne summer fun! Located along the St. Mary’s River on E Superior Street, it has easily become one of Fort Wayne’s favorite riverfront spots.
via @hallsdeck Instagram
Deck hours stretch through the lunch crowd into late nights with delightful comfort foods including the Tots Deluxe, mouthwatering Chicago Burger, BBQ pulled pork with bleu cheese slaw, and so much more! Paired with refreshing craft beers, cocktails, or wine while watching the sunset over the river and you have the ingredients for an evening to remember.
via @thehoppygnome Instagram
This casual, contemporary gastropub is the perfect summer mood! Located on E Berry Street, The Hoppy Gnome is sure to please with classic and globally-inspired eats.
They offer an appetizing made-from-scratch menu that includes soups and salads, sandwiches, pasta, scallops, lamb stew, and vegetarian options bursting with flavor. You can also select a tasty craft beer from the in-house GnomeTown Brewing.
via @thehoppygnome Instagram
The service here is legendary, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Enclosed and decorated with twinkly lights, the patio allows you to enjoy a meal with views of the courthouse while watching people stroll downtown.
via Explorations: American Midwest
Located just south of downtown Fort Wayne in the middle of the Broadway corridor, Trubble Brewing is a staple for those looking to unwind. Everything on the menu is locally sourced, and fresh. They have delicious salads, ramen, pasta, pizza, locally made pretzel braids, and cheese fries with beer cheese sauce. After a glass of wine or beer you’ll feel much more relaxed.
via @trubblebrewing Instagram
A beautiful outdoor patio is also featured at Trubble Brewing where dog friends are welcome! They are given dog treats, water bowls, and doggy beds. Not to mention, there is a lovely water fountain that adds a touch of serenity to the outdoor ambiance.
via Visit Fort Wayne
Copper Spoon brings a superb level of food quality, taste and presentation to diners. Located on W Jefferson Boulevard in downtown Fort Wayne, this locally owned restaurant focuses on using locally sourced meat and produce. Their menu rotates seasonally, making your visit special each time.
Some of the delectable dishes you should try are the Thai peanut rice noodles, ribeye steak, and diver scallops to name a few. Desserts are also top of the line—choose from triple chocolate torte, vanilla cheesecake, or strawberry pavlova.
via @sidecarfw Instagram
During the summer, Copper Spoon opens its stellar sister bar called The Sidecar on its patio next to the baseball entrance. This offers the only Tiki bar experience in Fort Wayne. The Sidecar features tropical, colorful and strong cocktails, and food that is reminiscent of Polynesian street food. Only those who are aged 21 and up are allowed to enter.
via Sturges Property Group
One of the best places to discover the artistry of Fort Wayne this summer is The Porch Off Calhoun. This award-winning public space is found in the oversized alley next to Pint & Slice and Dash-In on S Calhoun Street. Pick up your food or bring your own and maximize the great outdoor tables and seating that are all for public use. Large beautiful murals and public art provide a cosmopolitan backdrop as you wine and dine with friends and family.
via @proximofw Instagram
Proximo offers the best of Latin cuisine pulling flavors from Cuba, Spain, and Colombia among others. Feast on amazing meals like tomato braised flank steak, mushroom escabeche, crab chilaques, or tuna tiradito. Located on S Harrison Street, Proximo has an open and lively atmosphere that help make your dining experience even better.
The covered, wrap around patio is always a happening spot with views along both Harrison and Wayne Streets. Doggos are welcome so feel free to bring Fido!
Speaking of dog friendly, this famous steakhouse probably doesn’t jump to mind—but it is! A cozy patio on Wayne Street faces the main branch of the Allen County Library with large umbrellas for shade. On Fridays a special lunch menu is available, designed for those with limited time.
Note: Parking for both Proximo and Ruth’s Chris is available in the public Skyline Garage.
Walter gives the Ruth’s Chris patio two ears up.
via The Patio on Wells Facebook
Want to be serenaded by live music in a beautiful setting while savoring appetizers and drinks? Then head over to The Patio on Wells! Special Food Truck Wednesdays are also something to look forward to all summer long. Indulge in local eats like the Local Apple Cart, Wildwoods Grille, and Drop it Like it’s Tot. Come and relax with family, friends, and even your doggy pals!
via @thefriendlyfox Instagram
Having business lunch, afternoon coffee, or a glass of wine in the summertime is simply glorious at The Friendly Fox. Located in Fort Wayne’s historic Southwood Park neighborhood, it is a lovely spot to catch up with family and friends, or just bask in peaceful solitude on the arbor covered patio. They offer homestyle meals from breakfast to dinner including malted milk waffles, avocado toast, flatbreads, salads, and paninis on housemade gluten-free bread. Afterwards you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a luscious pastry.
via Antonuccio’s Italian Market Facebook
Fond of Italian cuisine? Swing by Antonuccio’s Italian Market on South Wayne Avenue for an authentic Italian culinary experience. It is a neighborhood market that features a wide variety of fine Italian meats and cheeses, breads, cookies, fresh produce, and select imported wines. Get your daily grocery needs, or stay and sample charcuterie and imported wines on Antonuccio’s spacious patio.
via @nawarestaurant Instagram
“Nawa” means “new beginning” in Thai. This relaxed, brick-clad eatery located on The Landing will sweep your senses away with inspired Asian cuisine like satay chicken, curry noodles and beef pho, along with custom-crafted cocktails that showcase the fruit and herbal flavors of the far east. Lounging on the Nawa Bison Deck with exceptional food and company can make any day feel like the weekend.
via Welch’s Ale House Facebook
Located on South Calhoun Street, Welch’s Ale House offers an eclectic mix of burgers, wings, other Americana staples, and tons of incredible dishes for vegetarians. The salad bar is a true haven for the senses with only the freshest ingredients. Not only is it perfect for foodies, Welch’s Ale House features 18 draft beers and 58 bottled ones for those wanting to sip a few brewskies. To top it all off, they also offer great live music, and comedy shows.
The back deck/patio area is quite big and surrounded by a tall fence and mature landscaping making this feel like a true inner city escape.
via JK O’Donnell’s
Commonly known as JKs or the pub by regular customers, JK O’Donnell’s is an Irish pub in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Pull up a barstool and take your pick from the vast drink selection of craft beers, wines, and whiskey while watching soccer on TV amid a classic Celtic ambiance.
The back patio is also dog friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring your four-legged friends along!
· New Parklets
via @inputfortwayne Instagram
Prefer a more casual dining set up while enjoying the fresh air of Downtown Fort Wayne? New parklets with tables, chairs, flower boxes and reflectors for safety, have just opened on Wayne Street in front of Big Apple Pizza, and in front of Lewis Street Grill. These will be open until the end of the warm weather in October.
There are so many gorgeous dining options and outdoor patios in Fort Wayne that we couldn’t include them all here. Others are further from downtown, such as Black Canyon, Bakers Street, Trolley Steaks & Seafood, and Catablu Grille—there are many more pretty patios that can spark joy and level up your dining experience.
Make the most of the warm weather and be sure to check out the culinary goodness and calming ambiance these places have to offer. You’ll appreciate the warmth of people, exceptional service, culture, and impressive local creations with every meal. Your summer in Fort Wayne has the potential to be anything but ordinary.
